The Hunger is the fifth studio album by American recording artist Michael Bolton. It was released in 1987 by Columbia Records. This was his breakthrough album, with the hits "That's What Love Is All About" and the Otis Redding cover "(Sittin' On) The Dock of the Bay".

Several songs from this album feature Journey members Jonathan Cain on keyboards, Neal Schon on guitar, and previous member from their Raised on Radio 1986-87 tour Randy Jackson (of American Idol fame) on bass. During this time, there were rumors that Bolton might have been in the running as Journey's new lead singer after Steve Perry's initial departure from the band in early 1987.

Despite only reaching #46 on the charts the album had achieved stability in the charts. After several weeks on the charts the album was certified double Platinum in the US (Bolton's first certification of his career). Worldwide, the album has shipped four million copies over the years.